WATERLOO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
2026 Chair's Award, Community Partner Award and Distinguished Graduate Award Recipients

Chair's Award: John Murphy, Catholic Education Centre

Presented to a person or persons in the school system who has contributed significantly to Catholic Education. It is given annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made to the Catholic school system serving the students, staff, and greater community of Waterloo Region, or to the betterment of Catholic Education in Ontario in general.

This year's Chair's Award is presented to John Murphy.

John Murphy is the deserving recipient of this award because he serves as the true personification of servant leadership within the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. Through his dedicated role as the Religion and Family Life Consultant, John consistently puts students first, working diligently to ensure their success while providing invaluable support and resources to educators. His visionary work on the "Gathered to Become" theme and the pray@Home webpage offered vital spiritual guidance to our community during the pandemic, demonstrating a profound understanding of our collective needs. Whether he is stepping in to teach at St. Isidore during a period of growth or representing the WCDSB as a provincial leader at the When Faith Meets Pedagogy conference, John's commitment is unwavering. By saying "yes" to his calling with a heart for Catholic education, he has become an exemplary ambassador for our board and a source of inspiration for all who work alongside him.

Community Partner Award: Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre/Diocese of Hamilton

Presented annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made by a community partner or agency to the Catholic school system serving the students, staff, and greater community of Waterloo Region.

We are proud to present the Community Partner Award to Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre/Diocese of Hamilton for its extraordinary 50-year legacy as a cornerstone of spiritual formation for our students. Since 1976, this sacred space has served as a vital partner in Catholic education, providing a serene environment where three generations of Grade 8 students have encountered the love of God through creation, prayer, and community. By offering a consistent "shared reference point" that bridges the transition from elementary to secondary school, Mount Mary fosters a deep sense of belonging and spiritual growth that stays with our students long into adulthood. Whether through the early stewardship of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate or its current leadership under the Diocese of Hamilton, the Centre remains a cherished sanctuary where the seeds of faith are nurtured, making it a truly deserving recipient of this award as we celebrate five decades of transformative retreat experiences.

Distinguished Graduate Award: Mark Anthony Fernandes (Monsignor Doyle CSS)

Presented to a graduate of more than 10 years from our school system who has demonstrated outstanding examples of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. Awarded at the graduation exercises of the recipient's Secondary School or other appropriate public venue.

We are thrilled to honour Mark Anthony Fernandes (Monsignor Doyle CSS) for his extraordinary lifelong commitment to faith, service, and the mission of Catholic education. For over 30 years, Mark has been a cornerstone of the St. Ambrose Church community, enriching the liturgy through his musical leadership as choir director and organist while providing responsible stewardship on the parish finance committee. His influence extends far beyond the sanctuary; he is the embodiment of a "shepherd leader" who lives out the Gospel in his professional life as a Mental Health Lead, where he champions human dignity and compassion for the most vulnerable. By instilling these same values in his children who serve as active members of our school communities at Monsignor Doyle and Holy Spirit, and by mentoring graduates to lead lives of integrity, Mark serves as a profound witness to the Catholic Graduate Expectations. He is a devoted disciple whose hands and heart are truly dedicated to doing God's work, making him a most deserving recipient of this award.